Our Story…

Before our daughter, Amelie, was born with TUBB 5 (a rare brain disorder), ataxic cerebral palsy and congenital cataracts we did not know very much at all about living with a disability. As Amelie grew and we began to attend events for children with disabilities, we decided to get involved - whether it be by providing entertainment at events or simply goofing off with the kids. After a while, Jeff and our good friend, Bobby Blount, decided to make Everyday Sunshine an official 501c3 organization. Our mission is to make the world a little more inclusive to those with disabilities.

Since 2012 we have performed concerts, put on puppet shows, hosted karaoke and Dance Dance Revolution parties, game nights and sing-alongs for organizations such as the ARC of Morgan County, CASA of North Alabama, F.A.C.E.S., Shining Stars, Extraordinary People, Power of Pink Walk for Cancer, Night of Hope, Camp Merrimack, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Softball for Everyone, Backpacks for Hope and Charity:Water.

One of the questions that we heard repeatedly from the parents of children with different abilities was, “ What will my child do after high school ?” The unemployment rate for those with intellectual disabilities stays around 80%. This made us deeply consider what Amelie’s future might look. Where will she work? Research led us to Dave and Sandi Krikac, who started Our Thrift Store in Franklin, Tennessee for their daughter, Sara. Their amazing operation led us to consider something similar in Decatur. After much thought, time and prayer we decided to open a thrift store in September of 2022 and since then we have trained 16 adults with developmental disabilities. We also worked with the United Way of Morgan County to start Ready? Set. Work ! - a job co-op program for high school students in Decatur’s AIM Developmental Program. Our mission is to create a space where people can gain employment skills and confidence, capitalize on their strengths and realize their potential.

We worked closely with the City of Decatur for 5 years to plan an inclusive playground for people of all ages and all abilities. We’re very proud to announce that this park will be part of the new Wilson Morgan facility opening in the Fall of 2026.

Our newest project is ESU - a college like experience for adults who have graduated from high school. We focus on life, social and job skills while connecting with the community and having fun. Things are really happening but we still need partners like you to help promote these ideas and support them with your time, ideas, word of mouth advertising, gently used donations for the thrift store and financial donations to keep it moving forward. We greatly appreciate it !